Finance

Shares of Intel soared more than 25% in premarket trading following a strong quarterly report that highlighted massive demand for artificial intelligence and server components. While the broader Nasdaq has faced pressure from software giants like Salesforce and ServiceNow, which saw double-digit declines, the semiconductor sector remains a bright spot. This narrow leadership continues to define the tech market as the iShares Semiconductor ETF marks its 17th consecutive day of gains.

The cryptocurrency market is showing a selective rotation, with Bitcoin holding steady near the $78,000 level as institutional demand remains resilient despite geopolitical uncertainty. Conversely, Ethereum has experienced a pullback toward the $2,300 range as short-term traders lock in profits from earlier gains. Analysts are closely monitoring the $80,000 threshold for Bitcoin, which is seen as a critical psychological barrier for the next leg of the rally.

The 10-year U.S. Treasury yield is hovering around 4.3% as markets attempt to price in the conflicting signals of an energy-driven oil shock and softening economic growth. While rising energy costs typically stoke inflation expectations, long-term gauges like the five-year forward inflation swap have actually moderated. This divergence suggests that investors may be prioritizing fears of a growth slowdown over the immediate inflationary impact of high oil prices.

A recent surge in IPO filings has seen a shift away from traditional tech startups toward biotech and healthcare companies looking to capitalize on recent record highs in major indexes. Although technology giants like SpaceX loom large over the pipeline, current activity is driven by stabilizing macro conditions and a desire for more diversified assets. This trend reflects a broader market rotation where investors are looking beyond the AI trade for value in industrials and consumer defensives.